How has music influenced your artwork and if you listen to music in your studio as you work, what are you listening to and why? Susan Schwalb

I admit that I need some sort of sound in order to create a barrier between me and the rest of my life so that I can focus on my work without distraction. I generally listen to the radio as opposed to playing records or CDs. Years ago I primarily chose classical stations, with opera my favorite “background” sound.

When NPR switched to talk radio and there became less and less choice, the talk programs, by default, became what I have on each day. However, when the news is too terrible for words, I play some of my husband Marty Boykan‘s beautiful CDs or those of other composer friends. I have collaborated with Marty on three different artist book projects and this is the most direct connection between my work and particular pieces of music.

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NewMusicBox, a multimedia publication from New Music USA, is dedicated to the music of American composers and improvisers and their champions. NewMusicBox offers: in-depth profiles, articles, and discussions; up-to-the-minute industry news and commentary; a direct portal to our internet radio station, Counterstream; and access to an online library of more than 57,000 works by more than 6,000 composers.